Behavioral Health v Churches – A Fictitious Conflict Which Only Harms Wyoming
The loss of a single life to suicide is a tragedy, and the tragedy is multiplied many times over when the friends and family members of the deceased are counted. This fact is something Wyoming residents know all too well. In a recent article, Representative John Bear shares his thoughts surrounding Wyoming’s mental health and suicide prevention services which are, unfortunately, egregious.
One comment Rep. Bear, proved accurate on was his acknowledged pursuit to be king:“ If I was the king for a day and I could write the budget for the Department of Health, I would say we need to turn the ship around and go the other direction, where less of [mental health programs] is handled by the Department of Health and pharmaceuticals.” Unfortunately, this irresponsible notion that Wyoming churches should solely be responsible for Wyoming’s behavioral health needs is an ever-growing trend among Wyoming Freedom Caucus members. Fortunately, Rep. Bear is not king.
Bear’s statement “There is certainly a large part of what we call mental health now that could be addressed through the church,” is hugely ill conceived. He continues to debate researched facts, including the success of Wyoming’s 988 Suicide Life-Line where approximately 99.8% of calls are handled by call center staff - without requiring intervention from law enforcement or emergency services. In 2023, a total of 5,538 calls were made to Wyoming's 988 call centers. The total volume for the year increased 62% over 2022. Despite this data, Rep. Bear refuses to acknowledge this success or support accordingly. (see 2023 HB0065 - 988 suicide prevention, 2024 HB0186 - 988 hotline-appropriation and 2024 Budget).
One commonality that Rep. Bear and I both share is that our respective faith inspired both of us into pursuing public service. It is my faith that steers my moral compass to value every human life deserving of dignity and care. It is through my faith that I feel an obligation as my brother’s keeper, to love my neighbor as myself, to try to improve their circumstances, or try to offer the supports that they need; not what I view is best for them. It is my faith that encourages me to believe and trust that God created all things – including scientific research and evidence-based practices.
Faith and the role of the Church is and has always been an instrumental part of mental health and suicide prevention. Mental health professionals recognize this and regularly refer to a person’s faith throughout their care. Considering a person’s faith and integrating it when appropriate is considered best practice. Likewise, local churches and faith leaders play a vital role by offering a strong community support systems, reducing stigma, educating members on warning signs, offering basic resources when if they can, and providing access to professional mental health resources. Every Wyomingite has a role in this effort. To imply that local churches need to step up and do even more is offensive.
Rep. Bear has made his belief clear that the government does not have a role in behavioral health services or suicide prevention. What is unclear is if Rep. Bear is aware of the contradiction created by demanding a Legislature governed by his faith and values, without taking responsibility for those he’s been called to serve. Suicide prevention involves a “whole-of-government” and a “whole-of-society” approach. It requires working with public and private sectors to implement comprehensive strategies, regardless of one’s specific belief system. It will require putting human lives first and foremost – serving and supporting instead of demanding.
It is past time for Rep. Bear and the Wyoming Freedom Caucus to step up, advocate and support funding suicide prevention and the Behavioral Health Division; who have historically voted ‘NO’, against their constituents and our citizens of this great state. They have a chance to be a part of the solution. If this is something they cannot muster, then at the very least they can no longer use their faith to justify their cruelty and inaction.
